Annapolis, MD (August 3, 2007) - - - Everyone is invited to attend Agricultural Education Day at the South River Colony Farmers’ Market.  The event takes place on Thursday, August 9th from 2-6PM.  The Market is located on Main Street in South River Colony, at Routes 2 and 214 (behind K-Mart). 

 

“Agriculture Education Day highlights the importance of agriculture to our County,” said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold.  “With more than 400 farms in Anne Arundel County, the economic impact of agriculture totals more than $12 million,” he continued.  “Through events at the six Anne Arundel County farmers’ markets, we are helping our farmers reach our consumers with fresh, locally grown products.”

 

In addition to the produce and other items regularly featured at the South River Colony Farmers’ Market, Agriculture Education Day activities will include live music, children’s activities, Balloons by Ms. Blossom and pony rides.  Hamburgers and hotdogs will be available to purchase and there will be free sno-cones for everyone.  A drawing to win a basket of locally grown produce will be held at 5:00PM. 

 

Educational exhibits will be provided by Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau, Anne Arundel County Land Preservation Program, Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and Nutrition Program, and Whole Foods.

 

“One of our top priorities is to help consumers find local products,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Roger L. Richardson.  “When people buy locally grown and made products, they help farmers stay on the farm and help preserve farmland.  We congratulate Anne Arundel County for their efforts to help farmers sell their products and educate the public on the value of farming.” 

 

The 2007 Policy Choices Survey by the University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy found that 76 percent of Marylanders are more likely to buy produce that is identified as having been grown by a Maryland farmer. Further supporting agriculture, a full 96 percent of those surveyed said that  it is at least “somewhat important” that the state preserve land for farming.
 
The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation manages and promotes agricultural and environmental programs on behalf of Anne Arundel County. These programs are part of our mission to serve business needs and to increase the County’s economic base through job growth and investment. For additional information on agriculture programs or Farmers Markets’ in Anne Arundel County please contact Lisa Barge at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, (410) 222-7410. WIC and Senior FMNP Checks Accepted at all AA County Farmers' Markets